Among the criteria distinguishing modernized nations, strong political cohesion is necessary. As Walid Khalil contends in Classical Arabic and the Hibernation of the Arab Mind, without national loyalty and pride among the citizenry, there is a poor commitment to work toward progressive change. This absence of citizen fidelity is most prevalent in the contemporary Arab world. Explanations for depressed growth and internal disunity have been attributed to factors such as the attempt to institute Pan-Arabism, inherently subsuming other political boundaries. A continuum of oppressive authoritarian rule has served to establish a sense of ‘backwardness’. In contrast with such explanations, Khalil puts forward that these facts are manifestations rather than causes for a continuum of stagnation. Rather, the root cause is the significance of something clear but unrecognized; the absence of a written language in modern Arabic. The correlation between sophisticated linguistic expression—that which cannot be communicated orally-- and national advancement is the core thesis. The primary reason stems from internal disregard, or as Khalil terms it, a state of hibernation. However, despite its rich complexity, teaching classical Arabic is not the answer as that would be comparable to incorporating the language of Chaucer in the classroom as the norm. The salience of this proposition is exceptionally well-defended.

Walid Khalil initiates argumentation by noting the difference between universalist and particularist language, where the former is independent of social and interpersonal connections, resulting in the creation of advanced networks with extensive outreach. By contrast, particularist connections exist within a small circle of contacts impeding the realization of substantive information that is neither intellectually nor culturally different. Such limitation innately renders diversity a threat rather than a resource, fortifying an “us” vs. “them” mentality. Dialectical exchange, where vitalized ideas necessarily change through spirited intellectual engagement, is another hallmark of modernity. There is also strong support based on distinctive neurological patterns. In delineating how theory and philosophy indelibly support a change that would take comparatively little effort, such as revising school curriculums in light of revived awareness, Classical Arabic and the Hibernation of the Arab Mind makes this shift a pragmatic necessity. Reconfiguring awareness on a broad scale is critical to institute paradigmatic change that must take place if the Arab Dark Ages are to end.

Walid Khalil's Classical Arabic and the Hibernation of the Arab Mind delves into how linguistic decisions have affected societal growth in the Arab world. The book highlights that relying solely on Classical Arabic as a written language has hindered advancement within Arab societies. Khalil argues that because Classical Arabic is not spoken at home, Arabs do not have native fluency in it. He compares this situation to other societies that switched from classical to spoken languages, like Europe's transition from Latin to vernacular languages, which helped them progress. Khalil believes that developing written forms of spoken Arabic dialects can help Arab societies modernize and grow intellectually.

Walid Khalil writes clearly and organizes his thoughts well, making complex ideas easy to understand. He blends history, language, and social issues to explain his points, using examples from Europe and Asia to show how using everyday languages in writing can be beneficial. He also references neurological studies to show how language affects thinking, adding depth to his arguments. This integration of diverse fields of study makes his case more robust and persuasive. One of the book's strengths is Khalil's thorough analysis and detailed approach. He carefully examines the historical and current language situations in different societies, providing a well-rounded view that is both informative and enlightening. Khalil presents thought-provoking ideas that are important for anyone interested in language and societal progress. Classical Arabic and the Hibernation of the Arab Mind, with its insightful content, is a delight to read for anyone interested in the intersection of language, society, and intellectual growth, exploring genres like linguistics, sociolinguistics, cultural history, and educational theory.

Once the Arab world was at the forefront of innovation and learning, but today it is far behind. Why? In Classical Arabic and the Hibernation of the Arab Mind, Walid Khalil explains the decline and stagnation. Industrialized countries abandoned their classical languages, such as Greek and Latin, and used everyday language spoken in homes and businesses in written form. Today Arabs use Classical Arabic, a 6,000-year-old language used by a few highly educated citizens. Khalil says most Arabs communicate in English or French. They have cell phones and other gadgets, but cannot manufacture or improve them. Furthermore, without a written language, the brain is less stimulated and there is greater danger of confrontation with other communities who use different languages and dialects. People in disparate groups only communicate verbally within localized strong networks. The author suggests the answer is translating literature and manuals that people use in their everyday lives. Only then can Arab nations move forward and narrow the ever-widening gap between them and the Western world.

Classical Arabic and the Hibernation of the Arab Mind by Walid Khalil answers a question I have asked many times. How could a civilization that once housed the most impressive library in the world in Alexandria and whose scholars were renowned have stagnated since biblical times? Khalil explains his thesis so clearly that even though you need to read it carefully, he highlights the problems and how to put them right. Probably few of us knew that Arab communities have no access to literature in their everyday language and that only Classical Arabic, in essence a dead language with few modern terms, is their window to the world. I particularly liked Khalil’s explanation of how communications can break down and lead to less cooperation without the use of everyday written language. It explains that there is so much distrust among Arab groups and how as a nation they have been left behind to stagnate in the modern world. This is a really interesting and thoughtful book that not only made me think but explains so many questions I have been asking for years. It opened my eyes and taught me so much.

Classical Arabic and the Hibernation of the Arab Mind by Walid Khalil explores how classical Arabic and the failure to adapt to the resulting national dialects has resulted in the stagnation of Arab civilization. The lack of a native modern language affects societal evolution. Linguistic barriers created by the Arab world sticking to classical Arabic rather than adopting local dialects have hindered development and put a strain on intellectual discourse. Having a native language that is oral limits universalistic speech which is ideal since such languages lack a written form. It's hard to have a strong command of a second language, which handicaps communication and explicitness. Universalistic speech also allows people to connect easily, which in turn helps individuals to have large personal networks, unlike oral languages which increase the average degree of separation in a society.

Classical Arabic and the Hibernation of the Arab Mind by Walid Khalil is a wonderfully written, thought-provoking work that gets one thinking about the correlations between linguistics and societal evolution and development. I loved the examples used, like that of the Roman Empire as spoken Latin diverged significantly from classical Latin. Such examples made the book highly effective in passing on the intended message. Another concept that captured my mind was how particularistic speech affects conflict management and could be used to explain the current political leadership and style in the Arab world. Walid also provides various references that will help those who want to delve into further reading and research. This was a most eye-opening read, and I look forward to reading something else by this amazing author.